Collective-E and 85 Broads Giving Back Event

Yesterday evening I attended Collective-E and 85 Broad's Social Ventures and Celebrating Businesses that Give Back to the World event. It was yet another evening filled with intellect and inspiration! There was a panel with Beth Schoendfeldt of Collective-E as moderator, and the panelists included: Karen Chien, founder of Cheeky Living, Sharon Gaffney, who will soon be launching a new website, Michele Kotler, founding director of Community-Word Project and Susan McPherson, a board member of Bpeace.

Karen shared her story of how her business, Cheeky Living is positively affecting the lives of 160 people in Peru who help to work on her products of hand knit baby alpaca gloves, hats, scarves and throws through the skilled work of the weavers. It was touching to think of that many people having jobs there, who are less fortunate than we are, because of one US business! She could choose to manufacture her products anywhere, but yet, she feels content to know that good is coming out of the fact that Cheeky Living products are manufactured in Peru. Karen also helped to build an orphanage there with a donation from Cheeky Living sales!

Sharon is in the midst of launching a new website that offers consumers the ability to give back to their favorite causes quick and easy online... Stay tuned!

Michele shared how Community-Word Project, which is an organization that helps youth in the Arts in under served communities at NYC public schools, has helped over 10,000 youth to date! Every year they train 40-50 artists, each of who are given $1500.

Susan spoke of Bpeace, which is an organization dedicated to giving pro bono consulting to women entrepreneurs in regions of post conflict. Susan also helps with the marketing for Charity Water, an organization that builds water resources in countries that don't have access. Currently working at PR Newswire, she made a good point, to keep your message clear and concise with whatever organization you are going to give back to and/or start. This will help the cause all together, as people are extremely busy in their day to day lives. The more simple and clear the message is; the better the results you will get.

It was nice to hear of each of these stories, as they were all different, but shed light on all the different ways you and/or your business can give back. No matter whether you choose to give back to a small or large non for profit, the intention and energy you are sending will end with a positive result regardless. Some of the topics covered were about why people give back to the organizations they do and it almost always comes down to giving from a personal experience or something you are passionate about. I liked the quote Susan referred t0: "people protect what they love." This is so true and is how I feel exactly. I would like to give back with Di Manno Designs and will definitely do so, but I don't want to just give back to a cause that doesn't have much meaning to me. So this panel opened my mind up to how and what could be the cause and the way I could give back. And I liked the fact a "give back day" was brought up, which I think is a great way small companies can give back in an easy way, by writing a check to an organization with a percentage of sales from a particular day or time period. We also discussed the cynics out there, customers who question "where is the money going or how can I see my return on investment?" Unfortunately, in life there will always be cynics. What we can do is not let them hinder us from giving back, be honest about our story of why we are giving back, explain where the money is going and feel good that we are doing something good in this world!

Thank you to all the panelists who candidly shared their experiences and stories and thank you for all of your hard work that makes this world a better place!:) And thank you to Collective-E who keeps me on a good path!:)

In the picture above: Me, Sabina Ptacin of Collective-E and Red Branch PR, Katie Danziger of Nomie Baby and Beth Schoendfeldt of Collective-E. (I am wearing a Di Manno Designs Black Croc Wrist Cuff)

Get Healed with Dar Gardol at Chelsea Healing

I met Dar, a close friend and the best acupuncturist I have known, when I lived in Chelsea. One day I wasn't feeling well and his office was next door to where I used to live, went in, got a treatment and ever since have been hooked on it and him! I never knew the many ways acupuncture can heal you, mentally and physically. It is truly amazing and I love learning about all the different points and what they do every time I see him. I loved that not only could Dar make me feel better, but I would learn so much during every treatment. He inspires me so much and has healed me so much! I really don't know where I would be without him. When I thought I was moving this June to San Diego, I started sobbing during a treatment saying, "What am I going to do without you?" and Dar said "Don't worry, I will come to San Diego and treat you there." And that is what I love about Dar, always doing what he can to please everybody, he is so generous. His ora is zen and he is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Whenever I feel I am a bit under the weather, I get a treatment and take Yin Chiao for a couple of days, and so many times that has served as a remedy from getting sick! Love it! Dar and I bonded when one day when he was giving me a treatment. I was thinking of my daily routine in my head, at the time, I worked in an office and I pictured myself putting my hair back wearing a nice suit and/or dress and how much I hated wearing just an elastic band to hold my hair in a ponytail. It was then the concept of Di Manno Designs was born. I came up with the idea of making a leather covered ponytail holder with an elastic band attached.
I shared it with Dar and he was so inspired, we started to brainstorm together. We met a few times to go over concepts and ideas for the brand. He came up with Di Manno Designs and I liked it. At the time I was focusing on a name more specifically for ponytail holders, but I liked the fact that I wouldn't be limited to just ponytail holders under the name Di Manno Designs for future lines and I also liked the alliteration. Ever since we have been friends. I love being around his energy, because every time I am around him I feel so inspired and that is such a great feeling. It is so special to be treated by someone who is not only brilliant in his field, but such a kind spirit that is so pleasant to be around. I also go to Dar when I am feeling any physical pain, either in my back or once when I pulled a hamstring by jumping up and landing down in the splits when I was out dancing at night! lol The treatments he gave me sped up the recovery time! When my mom was in town, he treated her a few times, as her back and knees bother her and she swears by him! It was great, she was able to walk around NYC more at ease because the treatments helped her a great deal, so of course we were all happy.:) Since then she has seen an acupuncturist in South Carolina, where my parents live, and said he is nowhere near as good as Dar! Dar said when he is out that way, he will stop by and give her a treatment. She can't wait!
So needless to say, I highly recommend Dar for whatever ailment you may have or just to maintain good health, I'm sure he will make you feel better than you did before you walked in. Thank you Dar for teaching me, inspiring me, supporting me and Di Manno Designs and healing me. Love you!:)
Chelsea Healing is located on 24th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues (212) 645-6447.

Tori with Toriola, a Very Dear Friend and Entrepreneur

I am ecstatic to say that one of my best friends, Tori just launched his own line, Toriola (In the picture above, Tori is sewing the skirt I wore in the picture below.) In the other picture are 2 of his pieces he designed and made, on the right, I am wearing a Toriola wrap skirt, which can also be worn as a dress. I paired it with a white button down, but can also wear it with a black halter or tank top, the designer and stylist Tori is in the middle and Vanessa on the left is wearing a Toriola wrap dress.

Born in the USA, but raised in Nigeria, Tori came back to the USA to attend college in Maryland. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business with a minor in Economics. While he was in college, he started working at American Eagle as a sales associate before he was promoted to Visual Specialist. An opportunity presented itself for him to open American Eagle's first urban store in NYC, he took it and has been in NYC ever since. He worked at American Eagle for about 10 years leaving with the title Regional Visual Manager for the New York Metro Area.

After American Eagle, Tori worked as the Senior Visual Merchandising Manager/Visual Director of Victoria Secret, where he was in charge of flagship development and branding. He also hosted all the successful events with the Victoria Secret super models that were televised.

While working, Tori began styling photo shoots on the side for fun and simply because it comes natural to him. For years he has been creatively dressing displays, why not transition to dressing models for photo shoots, especially when they were asking him to do so?! So he did, he does and he enjoys it so much he wanted to brand himself as an entrepreneur who can freelance as a stylist, visual merchant and designer of Toriola fashion, which brings him back to his roots, adding a flare to Nigerian fashion.

He styled the shoot we did for Di Manno Designs fashion accessories. He picked out every one's outfits and accessories for the shoot. The group shot Tori styled is on the contact page of http://www.dimannodesigns.com/contact.htm.

A man of many talents, he also does beautiful memory books. (pictures above of a book he did for a friend's wedding) I already signed him up to do mine when I get married!:) I went to an event he was hosting at Victoria Secret and saw a concept book he had made for them, which was out on a table for customers to look at. It was so unique and creative with magazine cut outs, fabrics, trinkets and more to show different themes and trends. It was truly one of a kind, I was blown away and then started seeing dollar signs of him selling these books for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays etc! lol My mind was spinning with all these different ideas of him making these special books for people and starting his own business! If you would like your own custom memory book made by Tori, reach out to him at: toriolafam@gmail.com.

On a personal level, I met Tori through our mutual friend Vanessa (in the picture above with Tori and I and also in the picture above in a Toriola top made by Tori). I instantly adored his bubbly, loving, charismatic, fun, genuine character and his edgy sense of style. Getting to know him over the years, I can now say that I also respect what he stands for and his morals, his strength of character, his perspective on life and his zest for life. He has been a true inspiration in my life in every sense of the word, as a person, through his work, spiritually and as my friend. I feel truly blessed to have him in my life.

I am so happy he started his own company! I saw his potential long ago and wished he would branch off on his own with all of his talent and personality. I can't say this about too many people, but with Tori, I knew he could handle the challenge, had the talent and most importantly is a good honest person, who is loved by many, who I know will succeed. So hats off to you Toriola Famuyiwa, it is your time to shine as an entrepreneur, just like you have as my best friend. Love you:)

To see his work, go to: http://www.wix.com/torifam/creative

Luxury Marketing Council Event for Giorgi Gucci's New Launch and Nirali Shah Pop Up Shop Party Night

I started off the evening by meeting my friend Erik Tancun of Imperial Jets at a Luxury Marketing Council Event. The event was a preview of the launch party for Emperor's Brand, which is a new line of collectible cognacs and vodkas owned by Zina Mashin and Andre De Vickont in partnership with Giorgio Gucci, grandson of Guccio Gucci, founder of the Gucci brand.

We tried and drank the Imperial Vodka with mixers, which was smooth and did not give a headache the day after! There was also a collection of wines that were being sampled and a presentation on the black tie event for the Emperor Brand launch, which will be in both Washington DC and NYC. Mingled before and after presentation, then headed to the Nirali Shah pop up shop party in a loft in Tribeca. Really fun, open bar, models walking around with all the different fashion pieces and accessories being sold here from different vendors. Met up with friends (in the picture) who also came to the event. In the picture above to the left: Sabina Ptacin of Collective-E and Red Branch PR, me, Tori of Toriola (also a stylist), Brian, Vanessa and Michael Quinlan of Red Branch PR. In picture below is Erik Tancun of Imperial Jets and I. (I am wearing 2 Di Manno Designs ponytail holders in my hair, a black leather narrow at the base of the braid and a custom made (shorter) black leather narrow at the end of the braid.)

What an eventful night!

Sally at Kent House for Presentation Boxes, Packaging and More

One morning last year, bright and early, I attended my friend Lori's BNI (Business Networking group)marketing meeting at 7:15 am as a guest. I met Sally, owner of Kent House, which is a company that makes gift items, display boxes, packaging, photo albums and more. I needed a house for my ponytail holders, so decided to go meet Sally at her office in Chelsea to see if she could do presentation boxes for me, which I could take to meetings to show my accessories. At the time, I was using a black leather box with a Di Manno Designs logo on the outside, but all the accessories were just in the box and I felt I could use something that was more organized and looked better! Sally can pretty much do anything you would like, she does custom orders all the time, so I told her what I was looking for and together we came up with the idea of these 2 boxes to hold the ponies. The pictures don't do the boxes justice, because you miss some great details. I will try my best with a written description! The black box holds Di Manno Designs leather, patent leather, exotic skin and canvas collections. There is also a space with a box which now holds business cards, but if I would like, I could use that space for another future collection. (Sally made the box this way with that as the intention) Inside each division, there is different fabric to match the look and feel of the different collections, for the leather I chose a white canvas material, the patent sits on a red felt fabric, the canvas is on a creme canvas material and the exotic skin sits on a black velvet fabric and the material on the box itself is black python print. Sally made a pouch on the inside to hold the pouches with logos for display. I wanted everything together, so when in meetings, if a buyer wants to see packaging, I could show him/her the pouches as a suggestion. The white box houses Di Manno Designs crystal collection made with Crystallized-Swarovski Elements. I chose a gray felt fabric for the interior to mesh well with the crystals and the outside of the box is a white python print. We also included Swarovski's Crystallized logo in the box since the complete crystal collection is made with Crystallized-Swarovski Elements. We had the Di Manno Designs logo made into a stamp that Sally could use to stamp the boxes with the logo. We went with gold for the black box and silver for the white box. Sally is very creative and passionate about her work. When you see her in action in her space, you can see she pours her whole heart and soul into her company, which makes you feel comfortable knowing this woman is going to create something unique and special for your brand! So if you are looking for packaging, display boxes or anything original, I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the results at Kent House!

You can check out Sally's work at: http://www.kenthouseinc.com/#/about-us/4527994020.

How to Use a Di Manno Designs Ponytail Holder

After many requests to do a demonstration video on how use a Di Manno Designs ponytail holder...here it is! In this video, I am putting on a Di Manno Designs black patent ponytail holder (standard) in Sabina Les, a friend of mine's, hair. Watch if for yourself and see how easy it is!

Sabina Les is also wearing a Di Manno Designs black patent wrist cuff

I am wearing a Di Manno Desgins black croc wrist cuff

Interview With Printed Scarf Designer, Sabina Les

Over the past few months, I've gotten to know Sabina Les, the woman who designs fabulous scarves, really well. We are both Collective-E and Accessories Council members and are at a lot of the same events together, so eventually we started talking at one of the events, and discovered we live nearby each other and have been close since! She gave me great styling tips when she showed me all the different ways I could wear my Sabina Les scarf...I was impressed! I wanted to take the time to ask her a few questions that you may be interested in hearing the answers to.

What made you decide to get into the scarf business?

I wanted to have an accessory line for a long time, something I could relate to. Scarves were a perfect choice because I'm a big fan and I couldn't find prints that I liked. With that in my mind, my designs have distinguished elegant, artistic and graphic personality.

Do you plan on adding any other lines?

Yes, I'm planning on expanding into other accessories starting with bags. Also, I'm collaborating with other designers.

How did you get on the Today Show?

I was doing my own PR and did a research on stylists. I "cold emailed" a fashion stylist pitching my scarves. Lucky for me, she emailed me back right away saying that she was looking for interesting scarves for the Today Show's fashion segment with the In Style magazine. She loved my scarves and asked for a few styles. About a week later, my scarf was on TV.

What were you working on previously and is it helping you now with your business?

I developed textile prints, branding, worked in merchandising and fashion design for some of the largest companies in the industry. Combining this experience with understanding of production process really helped me to stay on track with designing my own line and understanding that there is a lot of nitty-gritty details involved, sometimes more work than glamour!:)

If you would like to learn more about Sabina Les, go to: http://www.sabinales.com/